Wengen Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps Naturetrek Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/7 Day 8 Fly Zürich and transfer by train to Wengen Botanical walks and excursions from Wengen Transfer by train to Zürich and fly London Departs June Focus Alpine flora though birds and butterflies will also be enjoyed. Grading Day walks only. Grade B. Between 915 and 2,280 metres Dates and Prices Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk (tour code CHE02) or see the current Naturetrek brochure. Highlights: Spectacular mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland Journeys by train, cable car and funicular. Small family run hotel with unobstructed views of the Jungfrau. Explore a range of habitats from forest and meadow to high mountain pasture. Enjoy daily walks and picnic lunches amid stunning displays of mountain flowers. Visit the unique Schyinge Platte Alpine Garden Led by botanist David Tattersfield Top: Lauterbrunnen Valley, North Face of the Eiger, Trumpet Gentians. Images by Kerrie Porteous & David Tattersfield Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W: www.naturetrek.co.uk
Introduction Wengen is an idyllic alpine resort located on a sheltered alp high above the precipitous depths of the awesome Lauterbrunnen valley in the heart of the Swiss Bernese Oberland. It lies at an altitude of 1,163 metres and is backed by one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in central Europe. Here the majestic, ice-clad peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau form a backdrop to botanically rich mountain pastures, spruce forests and meadows, crisscrossed by a network of easy trails. Lovers of nature have been attracted to this area for well over 150 years, drawn by the beauty of the scenery and the clarity of the mountain air. Wengen's history goes back to the 13th Century when it was known as "Dorf Auf Der Wange" meaning "the village on the slopes. Then, it was just a poor mountain village whereas today it is a flourishing alpine resort. From this idyllic base, an efficient View from the Hotel Berghaus network of mountain railways and cable cars allows us to explore the entire area with ease. In spite of its popularity and accessibility, Wengen remains an unspoilt and quiet place and is an ideal centre for exploring the botanical wealth of the area. Please note that this tour can be combined with our 'Switzerland - Alpine Flowers of the Upper Engadine' holiday. Please call the Naturetrek office on 01962 733051 for more information. Itinerary Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse weather & other local considerations can necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather conditions available. Day 1 Fly Zurich, train to Wengen We begin our holiday with a late morning flight to Zürich, then transfer by train to Lauterbrunnen (changing at Bern and Interlaken en route). The final stage of our journey is by the exciting cogwheel mountain railway which climbs steeply up the impressive valley side to our destination of Wengen. We aim to arrive in Wengen in the mid to late afternoon, and transfer to our comfortable, family-run hotel, a five minute walk from the station and our base for the week. Naturetrek August 17 2
Day 2 Männlichen From our ideally situated base, today begins with a 1,000 metre cableway ascent to the Männlichen Station (2,230 metres), where one steps immediately into the true riches of the alpine meadow flora. A short walk soon takes us to the Männlichen summit (2,343 metres) from where there are breathtaking views towards Interlaken far below. The rest of the day will take us southwards, along the upper path to Kleine Scheidegg. Species such as Alpine Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla alpina), Alpine Snowbell (Soldanella alpine) Small White Orchid (Pseudorchis albida), Moss Campion (Silene acaulis), Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala) and Alpine Bartsia (Bartsia alpina) are common and several species of Saxifraga, Pedicularis, Campanula, Gentiana, Primula and Viola are likely to be encountered. The brooding north wall of the Eiger is an ever dominant feature of the landscape and there are excellent views down to Grindelwald and Wengen far below. The walk will also introduce us to many of the typical high altitude birds such as Snowfinch, Alpine Accentor, Alpine Chough, Citril Finch View of the Eiger from Männlichen Bird s-eye Primrose (Primula farinose) and Ring Ouzel. The Alpine Marmot is another common inhabitant of the high meadows and their piping call is one of the area s most familiar sounds. We return to Wengen by train. Day 3 Lauterbrunnen Valley Today we walk down to Lauterbrunnen (796 metres), through meadows and spruce forests. We should find plants such as Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia), Greater Masterwort (Astrantia major), Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon), Goatsbeard Spiraea (Aruncus dioicus) and Dark Columbine (Aquilegia atrata). This is also a rich area for butterflies and birds and we may find such species as False Heath, Heath and Niobe Fritillaries along with Nutcracker, Red-backed Shrike and perhaps even the elusive Black Woodpecker. We take the short bus journey to Trümmelbach, where we picnic by the river and look for Dipper and Grey Wagtail. There will be time to visit the dramatic Trümmelbach Falls (at an additional cost of around ten Swiss Francs), where melt water from the mountain glaciers corkscrews down inside the vertical valley walls, before we make our way back through the flower-rich valley meadows to Lauterbrunnen and the now familiar cog-wheel railway, back to Wengen. Naturetrek August 17 3
Day 4 Wengernalp, Biglenalp Today we take the train up as far as Wengernalp and walk down through colourful meadows and open spruce forests to Biglenalp, a beautiful area overshadowed by the north face of the Jungfrau (4,158 metres). Here the grand mountain scenery is enhanced by drifts of Globeflower (Trollius europaeus) and Alpenrose (Rhododendron ferrugineum) and we may also locate the Lady sslipper (Cypripedium calceolus), and Alpine Columbine (Aquilegia alpina). Both Ibex and Chamois may be seen, feeding on the steep grassy slopes, and we should find birds such as Nutcracker, Common Crossbill, Raven and perhaps even Golden Eagle. At Mettlanalp, we have a choice of walking routes through the meadows and forests back to Wengen and we are likely to encounter plants such as Great Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea), Coralroot Orchid (Corallorhiza trifida) and the diminutive Lesser Twayblade (Neottia cordata). Lady s-slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), Alpine Columbine (Aquilegia alpina), Wengernalp station Day 5 Mürren Mürren lies across the great Lauterbrunnen cleft obliquely opposite Wengen and the mountain views are, like the wealth of the flora, quite stunning. We reach Allmendhubel, above the village, by a combination of train, cable car and funicular railway, and spend the day exploring the diverse mountain pastures and forest as we make our way over gently undulating terrain, before descending steeply to Grütschalp, for our return journey. The range of habitats is quite different from that of the other side of the valley and among the many plants we expect to find will be Streptopus (Streptopus amplexifolius), Alpine Blue-sowthistle (Cicerbita alpina), Purple Gentian (Gentiana purpurea) and swathes of Broad-leaved Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis). Naturetrek August 17 4
Day 6 Schynige Platte After taking the trains down to Wilderswil, we join the delightful cogwheel mountain railway, for the spectacular ride up to Schynige Platte. The rich limestone flora of the area, coupled with the delights of the famous Alpine Garden, make this excursion one of the highlights of the tour. After a visit to the garden and lunch, we will explore the undulating meadows, along the ridge, in search of plants such as Leafy Lousewort (Pedicularis foliosa), St Bruno's Lily (Paradisea liliastrum), Yellow Bellflower (Campanula thyrsoides) and Alpine Sainfoin (Hedysarum hedysaroides). The views down over Interlaken are breathtaking as are those back towards the The view from Schynige Platte high mountains and Wengen. Day 7 Eigergletscher Today we take the train beyond Kleine Scheidegg as far as the Eigergletscher (2,320 metres). This is arguably one of the most breathtaking areas in the Jungfrau region. Here, at the foot of the glacier and amidst the mountain majesty, we will have time to absorb the beauty of our surroundings and to search the screes and moraines for alpine treasures such as Round-leaved Pennycress (Thlaspi rotundifolium), Chamois Cress (Pritzelago alpine) and Mt Cenis Pansy (Viola cenisia). Alpine Ibex are fairly common and if located can prove to be remarkably confiding. Ptarmigan and Snowfinch can be equally approachable although the former are at the edge of their altitudinal range and often difficult to locate. If the day is warm we should also be able to add to our tally of butterflies with such species as Shepherd's Fritillary, Bright-eyed Ringlet, Dewy Ringlet and Small Blue. Depending on the season, we will either, follow the steep path down the moraine and then to Wengernalp Station, past slopes covered in Gentians and Primulas, or we will take the Eiger Trail, beneath the towering north face, down to Alpiglen, from where we will catch the train back to Wengen. Bear s Ear Primrose (Primula auricular) Day 8 Transfer Zurich, Fly London This morning we must sadly return by train through the beautiful Swiss countryside to Zürich. Our return flight home to London departs Zürich in the mid-afternoon. Naturetrek August 17 5
Tour grading Grade B We enjoy walks ranging in difficulty from easy to moderately strenuous each day. Each day s walk varies in distance from 3 to 5 miles. Generally, we take our time during the morning to enjoy the scenery and identify new flowers, and cover more distance after lunch. Regardless of the distance covered, we will be on foot, on mountain trails, for the best part of each day, some of which are steep and rocky in places. As we use trains and cable cars to ascend the mountains, most days, the majority of the walking is downhill. Every day there will be options open to you, and if you wish to do less than the main party, this can easily be arranged. There will, occasionally, be options for those wishing to take a more strenuous route. We usually have breakfast at around 8 am and aim to leave our hotel by 9 am for a full day in the field. We break the day to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch, and typically aim to return to our hotel at around 6 pm, though this is very much dependent on the weather and our success in the field. If you do wish to shorten the day in the field and return to the hotel a little earlier, this can almost always be arranged. Weather Mountain weather is always variable, with cloud and rain (and even snow!) always a possibility, especially in the afternoons. At this time of year, however, the weather should be becoming settled, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25ºC, and plenty of clear sunny weather. Very hot weather is also possible, and carrying plenty of water in those instances is essential. At high altitudes, overcast conditions can rapidly reduce temperatures, and waterproofs and a warm jacket should be carried at all times. Focus Picnic stop above Biglenalp The primary focus of the holiday will be to provide an appreciation of the area s outstanding flora and ecology but we will also enjoy the mammals, birds, insects and other wildlife, as well as the fascinating geology and scenery. Walking at Mürren Naturetrek August 17 6
Food & accommodation included in the price All meals and accommodation are included in the cost of this holiday except for full lunches on Days 1 and 8 (though we provide snacks during the train journeys to and from the airport). We will be staying in the comfortable Hotel Berghaus (http://berghaus-wengen.ch/) in the delightful Swiss village of Wengen; all rooms have private facilities. Our hotel commands wonderful unobstructed views of the Jungfrau! A limited number of single rooms are available without supplement. Rooms with a balcony and spectacular mountain views are available at a supplement of 80 per person. How to book your place In order to book your place on this holiday, please give us a call on 01962 733051 with a credit or debit card, book online at www.naturetrek.co.uk, or alternatively complete and post the booking form at the back of our main Naturetrek brochure, together with a deposit of 20% of the holiday cost plus any room supplements if required. If you do not have a copy of the brochure, please call us on 01962 733051 or request one via our website. Receive our e-newsletter Hotel Berghaus Join the Naturetrek e-mailing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk to sign up. Alpine Toadflax (Linaria alpina), Globe Flower (Trollius europaeus) Naturetrek August 17 7